As more YouTube stars move into the mainstream and become familiar faces to consumers, 62% of 18-24 year olds would consider purchasing a product or service endorsed by a YouTube creator, over that of a TV or a movie star.

There's no doubt that Facebook poses a real threat to YouTube's dominance when it comes to video reach. But, a new focus on generating engagement via YouTube advertising may just prevent Facebook from cutting off the ad revenues that YouTube and Google need.

Every one of the 10 most watched videos ads on YouTube in the U.S. for August 2014 generated over 1 million views, with the top ad attracting an incredible 8 million. The average length of the video ads featured in this month’s chart pan out at around 3 minutes, with the YouTube audience sticking with those ads for at least 2 minutes.

With digital video now available on an unprecedented number of devices, U.S. based 18-34 year olds are watching 53% more of it than this time in 2013. But don't be fooled into thinking that it's just the Millennials who are consuming more online video. Those aged between 50 and 64 are watching 60% as much, while those of us lucky enough to fall into the 35-49 age bracket are watching 80% more.

YouTube has more daily views of its video content than Facebook posts get likes, and a recent survey of teens indicated that YouTube was their preferred social network. So, clearly every video marketing campaign should include the site as part of its strategy. At ReelSummit 2014, Allison Stern, Co-Founder of Tubular, presented "five secrets to success on YouTube," highlighting common brand pitfalls.

According to a new report from video advertisers YuMe, 92% of U.S. based Millennials use a connection device whilst watching TV, with 47% using those second screens to gain further information related to the TV content they are watching. That presents a huge opportunity for advertisers, but who do they target, and how to they target them?

YouTube has finally toppled Facebook as the most popular website for 14 to 24 year olds. Nearly three-quarters of 14 to 18-year-olds in the US said they used YouTube “frequently,” compared with 60% who said the same for Facebook.